★★★★1/2 Edward Berger's gripping Vatican-based thriller is both dramatically and philosophically satisfying in its depiction of the political inner workings of the Catholic church
Conclave (2024)
Moana 2 (2024)
★★★1/2 The visually stunning Disney sequel manages to recapture the beauty of its Polynesian setting but suffers from re-treading familiar emotional beats as well as lacking a notable villain
Wicked (2024)
★★★★ The long running Broadway production finally makes its cinematic debut in fittingly wonderful fashion with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande providing plenty of on-screen magic
Gladiator II (2024)
★★★ While I was somewhat entertained by the bombastic action set pieces, Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel lacks the emotional weight that made the first film so iconic
The Piano Lesson (2024)
★★★1/2 Boasting a remarkably talented ensemble, "The Piano Lesson" is a largely impressive debut from Malcolm Washington, although I found the narrative to be less impactful than previous Wilson adaptations
Juror #2 (2024)
★★★1/2 It may be simple and understated but putting together this morally ambiguous courtroom drama is an impressive feat for the 94-year-old Clint Eastwood
Emilia Pérez (2024)
★★★ This heavily flawed narco-opera is a tonal and narrative mess, thankfully it is slightly redeemed by Audiard's bombastic direction and Saldaña's impressive central performance
Anora (2024)
★★★★ Mikey Madison is electric as the titular brassy, exotic dancer in Sean Baker's surprisingly farcical Palme d'Or winning romantic drama
Smile 2 (2024)
★★★1/2 Having been put through an emotional wringer, Naomi Scott delivers one of the most stellar modern horror performances in Parker Finn's superior sequel to the 2022 hit "Smile"
The Apprentice (2024)
★★★★ Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong excel in this shocking, yet entertaining, origin story for one of the most problematic public figures in modern political history
Dan Loves Film 